Conditions and Performance Chapter Listing

Conditions and Performance Home Page

Introduction

Summary

Highway Safety

Transit Safety

Conclusion

Safety has long been a high priority for the Department of Transportation. The fatality rate has declined over the past 30 years even though the number of drivers and the miles driven has increased substantially over the same period. The FHWA Strategic Plan targets a 20 percent further reduction in highway-related fatalities and injuries by the year 2008. Many factors contribute to highway crashes and injuries, such as driver behavior, driving while intoxicated, vehicle condition, roadway geometrics and clearances, and weather conditions. Vehicle safety features such as seat belts and air bags and the proper use of child safety seats help to reduce the severity of injuries. With emphasis on all of these factors, serious injuries and fatalities can be further reduced.